Who doesn't love a bit of country every so often? Well how about Bluegrass, derived from country, jazz and blues, is Bluegrass the genre that has been missing from everyone's 2020? Either way, ALT ESCAPE_ has put together our top 5 Bluegrass artists of 2020.
5 The Avett Brothers
The Avett Brothers have released 10 studio albums with their latest being released in 2019. 'Closer Than Together', the bands most recent album, includes more synth and keyboards than The Avett Brothers had done before, creating a more pop style album. With their newest album, it appears the band are branching out musically and lyrically but still initially have a big Bluegrass influence. The group recently decided they couldn't ignore 'what's going on in the world anymore' therefore, 'Closer Than Together' was born, a socially conscious Folk, Rock, Bluegrass album. The new direction of The Avett Brothers is an exciting development within the Bluegrass genre and fans can't wait to hear more from the group.
4 Kristy Cox
Kristy Cox is recognised as Australia's Queen of Bluegrass, and after recently signing with Mountain Fever Records has released her latest album, 'No Headlights'. The album was a huge success following her previous album, 'Ricochet', which reached #2 in Billboard's Bluegrass album charts. Not only has the artist managed to land herself within the album charts, she has also been awarded 'Bluegrass Recording Artist of the Year' in the 2020 Golden Guitar Awards, in Australia, for her track 'Yesterday's Heartache'. Kristy is, absolutely, an artist to look our for, and this up and comer is taking the genre by storm.
3 Old Crow Medicine Show
It is without a doubt that Old Crow Medicine Show deserves a spot in the ALTESCAPE_ Top 5 Bluegrass artists. It's been 2 years since their most recent album 'Volunteer'. But there has been some activity from OCMS more recently, with the leader of the band's solo creation 'Quarantined'. Ketch Secor released his song back in May 2020, during the height of the Coronavirus pandemic, he played all parts himself and paired the song with an appropriate sterile music video. It's safe to say that the band's fans feel Secor's pain as he sings about the absense of a loved one for 14 days.
2 Billy Strings
Billy Strings: the 28 year old Bluegrass prodigy. You don't want to miss out on this artist that is testing age old boundaries of the genre. Billy Strings is on a mission of redefining the genre with head thrashing live shows and his confessional, intense song writing. The artist released his latest album 'Home' in 2019, his fast finger picking technique and indie rock influences have him pined as the future of Bluegrass, and here at ALTESCAPE_ we have to agree!
1 The Dead South
At ALTESCAPE_, our all time favourite Bluegrass artist is The Dead South. After witnessing the band's show in Febuary 2020, we can confirm that the Bluegrass legends provide an unforgettable experience. The utmost authenticity comes with the band and their latest album, Sugar & Joy, in 2019 was a huge success. We wait in anticipation for any new music from the group.
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